Boulevardier
A whiskey-laced cousin of the Negroni that blends bold American bourbon with bitter Campari and sweet vermouth for a warming, ruby-hued sipper.
29%
ABV
221
Calories
Rocks
Glass
Flavor Journey
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or rocks glass
Combine bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice
Stir 20–30 seconds until silky and cold
Strain over a large ice cube or into a chilled coupe
Express an orange peel over the drink and place as garnish
Glassware
Served over ice in a rocks glass
Garnish
Express oils over drink
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Keep vermouth refrigerated to preserve freshness
Try a high-rye bourbon or swap in rye for extra spice
Serve up for elegance or over a big cube for slow sipping
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Boulevardier.
Equal-Parts Boulevardier
A classic ratio—equal parts bourbon (or rye), Campari, and sweet vermouth stirred and served up or on a rock.
Rye Boulevardier
A sophisticated defiance of the classic Negroni, featuring assertive rye whiskey balanced by the bittersweet complexity of Campari and rich sweet vermouth.
Old Pal
A bracing Negroni cousin—rye, dry vermouth, and Campari in equal parts for a spicy, bone‑dry aperitivo.
Right Hand
A Negroni reimagined with aged rum and a dash of mole bitters—warming, chocolatey spice over a bittersweet backbone.
Black Boulevardier
A modern evolution of the Boulevardier with added Amaro Averna—bourbon, Campari, sweet vermouth, and dark herbal complexity.
History & Heritage
“American expat Erskine Gwynne popularized the Boulevardier in 1920s Paris, where it appeared in Harry McElhone's 1927 *Barflies and Cocktails* as his signature drink. Originally served in equal parts, modern bartenders favor more whiskey to balance Campari's bitterness. Long overshadowed by the Negroni, the Boulevardier resurfaced with the craft cocktail renaissance and is now prized for its depth in cooler months.”
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Equal-Parts Boulevardier
A classic ratio—equal parts bourbon (or rye), Campari, and sweet vermouth stirred and served up or on a rock.
Equal Parts MacElhone (Boulevardier)
A rich and sophisticated sibling to the Negroni, the Boulevardier swaps gin for the warmth of whiskey, creating a timeless cocktail that embodies the spirit of 1920s Paris.
Black Boulevardier
A modern evolution of the Boulevardier with added Amaro Averna—bourbon, Campari, sweet vermouth, and dark herbal complexity.